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The number of prisoners in adult corrective services custody increased by 6% from 38,845 prisoners at 30 June 2016 to 41,202 at 30 June 2017.

Between 2016 and 2017 the national imprisonment rate increased by 4% from 208 to 216 prisoners per 100,000 adult population.

Unsentenced prisoners and sentenced prisoners

The number of unsentenced prisoners in adult corrective services custody increased by 7%, from 12,111 at 30 June 2016 to 12,911 at 30 June 2017. This was a smaller increase than the previous two years where increases of more than 20% were recorded.

Sentenced prisoners increased by 6% from 26,649 to 28,199 prisoners.

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia

The increase in unsentenced prisoners was accompanied by an increase in the median time spent on remand awaiting trial and/or sentence, which increased 14% from 2.9 to 3.3 months. The Northern Territory was the only state or territory to record a decrease.

Footnote(s): For information on time spent on remand see Explanatory Notes paragraph 51.

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia

Most common offences for prisoners in Australia

The most prevalent offences were Acts intended to cause injury (9,344 or 23%) and Illicit drug offences (6,155 prisoners or 15%).

Since 2016, these two offences had the largest increases in number of prisoners and accounted for the majority (81%) of the national increase in the prison population (6% or 2,357 prisoners).